MINUTES REGULAR MEETING OF THE LANDMARKS COMMISSION Founded 1875 Populus felix in urbe felici Monday, August 13, 2018 7:00 PM City Council Chambers, Room 213 1685 Main Street, Santa Monica CALL TO ORDER OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE LANDMARKS COMMISSION: 7:07 PM 1. ROLL CALL: PRESENT: Margaret Bach Richard Brand Amy Green Barry Rosenbaum Ruth Shari Dolores Sloan, Chair Pro Tempore ALSO PRESENT: Heidi von Tongeln, Deputy City Attorney Stephanie Reich, AIA LEED AP, Design & Historic Preservation Planner Steve Mizokami, Senior Planner, Commission Liaison Ross Fehrman, Assistant Planner Melissa Zak. Staff Assistant III Nichelle Cummings, Staff Assistant II 2. REPORT FROM STAFF: 7:08 PM Steve Mizukami provided updates on administrative items and upcoming hearing items: The applicant for item 8A requested six minutes to present, requiring a vote from the Commission. The Carousel Park designation is anticipated in September. A presentation on the updated Historic Resource Inventory will be provided by planning staff at the 9/13 Landmarks Commission meeting. The first community meeting for the 11 th Street Historic District was held on 7/30 at the Main Library and was well attended. The applicant team will offer
a community meeting on 9/18 at 7 PM at the Mid-City Neighbors meeting at Colorado Center in the Community Room. The second community meeting will be on 9/24 at 6:30 PM at the Main Library. A community workshop on the Parks & Recreation Master Plan will be held on 8/25 at 9:30 AM at the Civic Center Auditorium. A webpage is available on the city website for the San Vicente Blvd Courtyard Apartments Historic District. The subcommittee will likely meet in September to discuss the ordinance. The next two Landmarks Commission meetings will be special meetings. In consideration of Rosh Hashanah on 9/10, the Commission will instead meet on 9/13, at 6 PM at Santa Monica Institute. On Wednesday, 9/26, a meeting will be held in the City Hall Council Chambers at 7 PM and will be a discussion on the demolition permit review process. Stephanie Reich stated that the 9/13 meeting will include a presentation of the HRI, which will be live and online by that date. Stephanie Reich introduced Nichelle Cummings and Melissa Zak who were filling in as staff assistants at the meeting. Ms. Reich also introduced Assistant Planner Ross Fehrman who is assisting the ARB-Landmarks team and helping to finalize a formal Mills Act monitoring program 3. COMMISSIONER ANNOUNCEMENTS: 7:15 PM 3-A. Presentation from the Commission Historian: History of Frank E. Bundy, a pioneer Santa Monica real estate developer. Commissioner Bach provided a presentation of Frank (Francis) E Bundy, who built and lived in the house that she lives in. He played a pivotal role in Santa Monica and environs. 4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: 7:29 PM 4-A. April 9, 2018: Commissioners offered minor corrections. Commissioner Shari made the motion to approve the minutes with corrections, seconded by Commissioner Brand, and approved unanimously by roll call vote. 4-B. May 14, 2018: Commissioners offered minor corrections. Chair Pro Tem Sloan made the motion to approve the minutes with corrections, seconded by Commissioner Bach, and approved unanimously by roll call vote. 2
4-C. July 9, 2018: Commissioners offered minor corrections. Commissioner Shari made the motion to approve the minutes with corrections, seconded by Chair Pro Tem Sloan, and approved by roll call vote. Commissioner Green abstained. 5. APPROVAL OF STATEMENTS OF OFFICIAL ACTION: 7:52 PM 5-A. Certificate of Appropriateness 18ENT-0144, 315 10 th Street, approval of site improvements in the front yard including a new retaining wall, new landscape and hardscape materials at the subject single-unit residence known as the Aeroplane Bungalow, a designated City Landmark. Commissioner Green made the motion to approve, seconded by Commissioner Shari, and approved by roll call vote. AYES: Bach, Brand, Rosenbaum, Shari, Sloan ABSTAINED: Green 5-B. Certificate of Appropriateness 18ENT-0141, 525 Georgina Avenue, approval of site improvements including a new front perimeter fence and new landscape material at the subject single-unit residence known as the M.S. Hellman residence, a designated City Landmark. Chair Pro Tem Sloan made the motion to accept, seconded by Commissioner Brand, and approved by roll call vote. AYES: Bach, Brand, Rosenbaum, Shari, Sloan ABSTAINED: Green 5-C. Certificate of Appropriateness 18ENT-0143, 153 San Vicente Boulevard, approval of exterior improvements to an existing apartment building including new windows, balcony railing repairs, new exterior paint color, and landscape/hardscape site improvements. The subject multi-unit residential apartment complex is a noncontributing building within the San Vicente Boulevard Courtyard Apartment Historic District. Commissioner Brand made the motion to accept, seconded by Commissioner Shari, and approved by roll call vote. 3
AYES: Bach, Brand, Rosenbaum, Shari, Sloan ABSTAINED: Green 6. PUBLIC INPUT: (On items not on agenda and within the jurisdiction of the Commission) 7:57 PM Commissioner Bach made the motion to move Item 11 to Public Input, seconded by Commissioner Shari, and approved by voice vote. Santa Monica resident Elizabeth Lerer spoke regarding the tremendous oak tree at 220 Adelaide Drive. Carol Lemlein spoke on behalf of the Santa Monica Conservancy and she is looking forward to the new HRI. 7. CONSENT CALENDAR: 7-A. Certificate of Appropriateness 17ENT-0158, 1659 Ocean Front Walk, consideration for design approval of exterior façade improvements including but not limited to the replacement of existing (non-original) windows and modifications to the existing (non-original) building colors. The subject multi-unit residential building is known as the Purser Apartments, a designated City Landmark. 8:02 PM The Commission reported ex parte communications. Stephanie Reich presented the staff report. Alan Nissel, applicant and property owner, made a presentation, and provided a sample of the new windows. Ellen Brennan, and Susan Whittle, both tenants in the building, provided public comment. The Commissioners discussed the color(s) and types of windows proposed as well as the information provided in the plans. Historic photos and a color board sample should be included. Attorney Von Tonglen reminded the Commission of the purview is limited to a determination on whether the alterations meet the criteria for Certificate of Appropriateness or not. Stephanie Reich asked the Commission for further direction. Commissioner Bach noted that this is an important building that stands alone. She mentioned that historic buildings had slight differentiations in window and stucco colors, and 4
recommended talking with the architectural historian to explore options. She does not recommend a high contrast, but at least a subtle color differentiation. Commissioner Green noted that the applicant is working with a historic architect, and she does not feel that the Commission should not be making decisions on building color. Commissioner Bach made the motion to continue, seconded by Commissioner Shari, and approved by roll call vote. AYES: Bach, Brand, Green, Rosenbaum, Shari, Sloan ABSTAINED: 8. OLD BUSINESS: 8-A. Landmark Designation 18ENT-0064, 1124 7 th Street, consideration to determine whether the one-story early 20 th -century residence, in whole or in part, should be designated as a City Landmark and, if so designated, whether an associated Landmark Parcel should be defined and described in order to preserve, maintain, protect, or safeguard the Landmark. The Landmarks Commission will consider the application based on whether the application, research and public testimony presented demonstrates that the building meets one or more of the required criteria for Landmark designation pursuant to SMMC Section 9.56.100(A). The Commission reviewed the proposed Landmark designation at the July 9, 2018 Landmarks Commission meeting and continued the item to allow for additional research based on Commission comments. 8:42 PM Steve Mizokami provided the staff report. Commissioner Bach asked how the recommended findings from last month s hearing changed to this month. Mr. Mizokami advised that there was a slight modification to Finding #1, and that the consultant believes the property s significance to be that of a single residence and not part of a larger district based on development patterns of a particular socioeconomic group. The date of significance is 1907 only instead of the span between 1907 1922. Applicant Olivia White of Chattel, Inc. made a presentation on the development of the former location of the subject house. She provided detail on what the subject site was like when the building was moved to the current property. Commissioner Bach recommended identifying the period of significance as 1907 to 1922, and made suggestions to modify the findings to include information about 5
the development of the automobile showrooms and uses along Santa Monica Boulevard and the development of the neighborhood at the subject site. Commissioner Bach made the motion to approve with findings as identified in staff report and amended by the commissioners suggestions, seconded by Commissioner Shari, and approved by roll call vote. AYES: Bach, Brand, Green, Rosenbaum, Shari, Sloan ABSTAINED: 9. NEW BUSINESS/PUBLIC HEARINGS: 9-A. Landmark Designation 18ENT-0134, 1527 17 th Street, consideration to determine whether the one-story bungalow located at the front of the property, in whole or in part, should be designated as a City Landmark and, if so designated, whether an associated Landmark Parcel should be defined and described in order to preserve, maintain, protect, or safeguard the Landmark. The Landmarks Commission will consider the application based on whether the application, research and public testimony presented demonstrates that the building meets one or more of the required criteria for Landmark designation pursuant to SMMC Section 9.56.100(A). 9:12 PM The Commission provided ex parte communication. Steve Mizokami provided a staff report. Teresa Grimes, Principal Architectural Historian at GPA Consultants, provided a presentation for the applicant/property owner. Commissioner Bach asked about the boundaries of the Pico Neighborhood. The applicant responded that the boundaries were very fluid. Chair Pro Temp Sloan moved to designate the front building and parcel based on Criterion 1. The rear building would be excluded from designation. The Commission discussed the history of the Pico Neighborhood including the construction of the I 10 freeway and its impact on the neighborhood, the integrity of the subject residence, and the increasing rarity of the original residences in the Pico Neighborhood. Commissioner Rosenbaum requested that the discussion of the I-10 freeway be amplified in the designation. Chair Pro Tem Sloan made the motion to approve, seconded by Commissioner Shari, and approved by roll call vote. 6
AYES: Bach, Brand, Green, Rosenbaum, Shari, Sloan ABSTAINED: 10. DISCUSSION ITEMS: 10-A. Recommendation to City Council regarding the approval of the following Historic Property Preservation Agreement applications (Mills Act Contracts): 9:34 PM 1. 1659 Ocean Front Walk (17ENT-0151) 2. 133 Wadsworth Avenue (18ENT-0135) A question from Commissioner Shari asks about the dollar amount for the maintenance. The maintenance is over a 10 year plan. The rehabilitation will cost a total of $77,000. 3. 1305 2 nd Street (18ENT-0150) 4. 1314 7 th Street (18ENT-0223) Carol Lemlein, representing the Santa Monica Conservancy, and Roger Genser, resident, spoke in support of the Mills Act as an important preservation incentive. Commissioner Rosenbaum noted that there appear to be gap years in some of the contracts; staff should review to determine if the gaps are necessary. Commissioner Shari made the motion to approve all four applications, seconded by Commissioner Green, and approved by roll call vote. AYES: Bach, Brand, Green, Rosenbaum, Shari, Sloan ABSTAINED: 10-B. Discussion and possible selection of a Commissioner to address the City Council regarding the Commission s decision to designate Sycamore trees(s) located at 1122 California at future appeal hearings (Landmark Designation 17ENT-0211). 9:59 PM Chair Pro Tem Sloan and Commissioner Rosenbaum volunteered to represent the Commission. Commissioner Bach made the motion to approve, seconded by Commissioner Shari, and approved by roll call vote. 7
AYES: Bach, Green, Rosenbaum, Shari, Sloan ABSTAINED: Brand 10-C. Update from the Landmarks Ordinance Update Subcommittee on recent activities related to recommendations for the proposed update to the Landmarks Ordinance, Santa Monica Municipal Code Chapter 9.56, including but not limited to, discussions held, recommendations formulated, input received, and upcoming Subcommittee meetings. 10:09 PM Commissioner Rosenbaum stated that the basic status has not changed since June. The subcommittee presented a general list and recommendations to the Commission in March, and met with staff on May 14. Staff noted they would bring forward a strategy in September. 10-D. Update from the Public Education and Media Outreach Subcommittee on recent activities related to enhancing the awareness of, and engagement and participation in, the City s historic preservation programs and activities. 10:11 PM Commissioner Bach reported significant progress in discussions with Landmarks and Communications staff in meeting with a consortium of folks with interest and resources in preservation for a weekly column in the Santa Monica Daily Press. She stated that it is an ambitious project with an aggressive timeline, to begin in September. Chair Pro Tem Sloan provided draft text for a possible brochure, and asked staff for support in editing and graphic design. 10-E. Update from the San Vicente Courtyard Apartments Historic District Ordinance Subcommittee on the recent meeting with staff on the draft Ordinance and to discuss next steps, including but not limited to, upcoming Subcommittee meetings. 10:23 PM Five members of the public spoke: Diane Miller, Phil Brock, Pat Becker, Phillis Dudick and Elizabeth Lerer. They requested input on the development of the ordinance and guidelines. Staff confirmed that there would be outreach to the community regarding the draft Ordinance and Guidelines. 8
10-F. Report from Landmarks Commission Liaison to the Architectural Review Board (ARB) on recent ARB consideration and action taken on proposed projects involving additions to or modifications of potential historic resources. Nothing to report 10-G. Report from Landmarks Commission representative to the Santa Monica Pier Corporation (SMPC) on recent SMPC activities and action taken on proposed projects involving the Landmark Santa Monica Pier. Nothing to report 10-H. Update from Staff on notable activities affecting any designated Landmarks or Structures of Merit. 10:56 PM Steve Mizokami provided an update on two staff approvals including removal of a diseased Coral Tree at the Miramar property, 1133 Ocean Avenue, and the replacement of existing upper level canvas awnings for regular maintenance at 1337 Ocean Avenue. 10-I. Planning Commission Case List (Information Only). Nothing to report. 11. DEMOLITION PERMIT LIST: (Information only, no Commission discussion or action taken) The list was discussed earlier in the meeting under Item 6. 12. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS: (Public and Commission discussion and comment is permitted.) None. 13. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS: (Requests from Commissioners to add items to upcoming agendas) None. 14. NEXT MEETING DATE AND COMMISSION AGENDA: Special Meeting of the Landmarks Commission: 6:00 PM Thursday, September 13, 2018; Santa Monica Institute (SMI) Training Room (2 nd Flr), 330 Olympic Drive, Santa Monica. ADJOURNMENT: 10:59 PM 9
Final announcement: Former Chair Laura O Neill recently gave birth to a son, Casey! Commissioner Shari made the motion to adjourn, seconded by Commissioner Bach and approved by voice vote. APPROVED: September 13, 2018 10